What are Eating Disorders and How to Cope with it?

Eating Disorders describe illnesses that are characterized by irregular eating habits and severe distress or concern about body weight or shape. Eating disorders can develop during any stage in life but typically appear during the teen years or young adulthood. Classified as a medical illness, appropriate treatment can be highly effectual for many of the specific types of eating disorders. (Eating Disorder Hope;2018).

Although these conditions are treatable, the symptoms and consequences can be detrimental and deadly if not addressed. Eating disorders commonly coexist with other conditions, such as anxiety disorders, substance abuse, or depression.

Smith, Robinson, and Segal (2018) suggest that true recovery from an eating disorders involves learning to: Listen to your feelings, Listen to your body, Accept yourself and Love yourself. Here are some steps for effective treatment:

Step 1: Assemble your treatment team

Step 2: Address health problems

Step 3: Make a long-term treatment plan

Step 4: Learn self-help strategies.